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EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Christian Ponder and the Minnesota Vikings are bringing a victory into their bye week.

They finally had some breaks go their way and beat Carolina on Sunday to raise their record to 2-6 after Ponder’s second NFL start. The first-round draft pick from Florida State was more efficient than in his debut defeat to Green Bay and just as poised. Plus, he made fewer mistakes.

The rookie had a turnover-free game and again came up with several clutch third-down completions.

After a rough first half, the Vikings are eager for a week off. They’re practically eliminated from the playoff chase, but they’re still optimistic about potential success over the last two months of the season.